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Power is everywhere but we do not always recognise it as power.
In this episode of Let Me Explain, we take a closer look at what power actually means and what happens when it enters social work, social care, health and other professional relationships.
We explore the power held through professional roles, knowledge, language, money, expertise and access to systems. We look at how words such as “non-compliant”, “difficult”, “unsafe” or “lacking insight” can shape how a person is understood — sometimes long after the original conversation has ended.
We also explore the uncomfortable side of professional power: the difference between helping and controlling, the illusion of choice, risk and autonomy, who gets believed, the power dynamics within meetings, advocacy, poverty, identity and what happens when people become so used to not being heard that they stop believing their voice matters.
And there is another side to this conversation: professionals can feel powerless too. We work within thresholds, budgets, waiting lists, policies and systems that we cannot always change. But what happens when that powerlessness gets passed down to the person sitting in front of us?
This episode is not about saying that power is inherently bad.
It is about noticing it.
Because we cannot challenge power we refuse to see.
And perhaps the question is not simply:
“Who is in charge?”
But:
“Who gets to influence what happens — and who is missing from the conversation?”
A conversation about power, language, risk, choice, professional authority, advocacy and what it really means to share power in practice.
“Power is not always loud. Sometimes it is incredibly quiet.”
“Being physically present is not the same as having power.”
“The problem is not simply that power exists. It is what happens when power becomes invisible to the person using it.”
And, as always, a question to take away:
If you looked honestly at your own practice, where do you hold more power than you realise?
SWU & BASW
SWU is the only UK trade union for all social workers, and is run by people qualified in social work.
BASW is not a trade union. SWU provides trade union membership, including advice and representation in relevant employment matters.
SWU can be the union you want it to be — whether that is representation when or if you need it, campaigning on the issues that matter to you, or training and support to develop your confidence as a Union Contact in the workplace.
SWU has an arms-length relationship with BASW. To become a member of SWU, you need to be a BASW member and can opt into SWU for an additional membership fee.
Find out more about SWU:
SWU Social Workers Union - SWU Social Workers Union
